The Sports Desk

Havant chief rues missed opportunity

Head coach Will Knight insists his Havant team must play the role of Scrooge in their London one south visit to Old Colfeians (2.30pm).

The hosts prop up the league without a win so far this season but Knight insists there is no room for complacency.

‘We know Old Colfeians are struggling and all the other teams have got results against them,’ said Knight.

‘I am looking for us to go there and get a win, preferably a five-point bonus win. That has to be our mindset going into this one.

‘If we go there and play to our potential we should get the necessary rewards. However, if we make the mistake of allowing them to get in to the game and build their confidence, that will only serve to make life difficult for ourselves.’

Havant have often been their own worst enemies in the league this season. On a number of occasions, Knight has been frustrated watching his team get themselves into good positions only to throw it away.

They’ve gifted wins to their opponents in their past two league outings and Knight doesn’t want a repeat.

‘We have to be Scrooge-like,’ he said.

‘I don’t think we can afford to give anymore gifts away.

‘It will be up to us to take the opportunities when presented with them and deliver the result we need.’

Jarryd Robinson, in what might be his last game before Christmas because of his England Sevens duties, moves to full-back, with Ed Wilkes coming in on the wing.

Ex-first-team captain John Barfoot returns to the pack, replacing Nathan Bellman who dislocated his shoulder last weekend.

Ross Parkin also reappears in the forwards after Army duties and Ollie Grant makes his first appearance in the front-row since injuring his elbow against Gosport & Fareham.

‘We have lost games because of our decision making,’ said Knight.

‘Teams at times have not beaten us by playing outstanding rugby, rather, we have beaten ourselves.